Role Of Academic Libraries Research Articles

Understanding Information Literacy Instructional Practices: Implications for Preparing Pre-Service Librarians

The role of academic librarians in supporting people to navigate the changing information environment is fundamental to librarianship and is critical in the current information environment. This poster focuses on the implications for educating pre-service librarians about the realities and challenges associated with that role, drawn from a national survey of instructional librarians in the U.S. The project speaks directly to the conference theme, “The Ethics and Evolution of Truth and Information,” as the survey respondents engage directly on the frontline of these issues. Implications for shaping the expectations of future instructional librarians will be revealed from findings of a national online survey currently underway. The survey returns to a series of questions motivating longitudinal surveys of librarians’ instructional practices conducted in other countries, and most recently conducted in the U.S. in 2016 (Julien 1998, 2000, 2005; Julien, Gross, & Latham, 2018; Julien & Leckie, 1997; Julien, Tan, & Merillat, 2013; Polkinghorne & Julien, 2018). These data paint a detailed picture of the daily practices of these professionals and the challenges they face. Despite changing technology, introduction of the ACRL Framework (2015), and the explosion of artificial intelligence use, many of the instructional practices and the pressures associated with the instructional role have remained stable (although the recent pandemic moved instruction online, at least for a time). Developing realistic expectations for the workplace is as relevant as is developing conceptual understanding, skills, and attitudes. Thus, the survey data provide an excellent opportunity to inform the education of master’s students.

Artificial intelligence and academic integrity: The role of academic librarians

The increasing dependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tools among advanced learners has sparked concerns about academic dishonesty, prompting stakeholders to develop ways to maintain academic integrity. The study explored the role of academic librarians in maintaining academic integrity with the prevalence of AI writing tools among students. The study was conducted through qualitative methods with a phenomenological design. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from twelve academic librarians in six universities in Ghana. The data was analysed thematically with word clouds. The findings of the study revealed that the roles of academic librarians are more tailored towards maintaining research integrity, an aspect of academic integrity. Also, the study observed that academic librarians play relevant roles in empowering students on the ethical use of information in the current dispensation of AI application tools in learning. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended a skill upgrade of library staff in evolving AI technology in response to issues of academic misconduct among students. Furthermore, the study suggests that academic institutions should revise academic integrity policies to address the increasing use of AI writing tools among students.

ChatGPT and Its Role in Academic Libraries: A Discussion

The paper aims to discuss ChatGPT and its role in academic libraries. It identifies the key areas where ChatGPT can be implemented in libraries to improve various services and the overall work experience of academics, along with the risk factors associated with ChatGPT. Research finds that ChatGPT can be aided with many library services such as collection development management, virtual reference services, digital information service and library discovery, research writing and publishing, research performance analysis and bibliometric services. It can be helpful for libraries to meet patron requirements, streamline the research process, and increase the efficiency of the library and staff. It reduces the workload of library staff to a certain extent rather than replacing the human librarians as various threats are associated with the ChatGPT, such as incorrect query responses, data protection, misuse, privacy, security, inaccessibility, limited technology comprehension and other ethical issues. It also discusses the limitations and challenges libraries may face while implementing the technology to impart various services. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it acknowledges the reality of ChatGPT and its limitations and how the library will be ready to cope with and deal with the technology in the future.

Beyond the Library: The Role of Academic Libraries’ Chat Reference in Answering Campus Questions

ABSTRACT Even before the COVID-19 pandemic drove most users online, chat was establishing itself as a core service for asking library-related questions of many types, from basic directional and reference to research queries of a more sophisticated nature. This investigation seeks to provide insight into how academic libraries are seen not only as a source of library assistance, but also as a means of filling an information gap on a wider subject: the university campus at large. The study’s methods involved analyzing chat transcripts from five large four-year public universities during a two-year period (2019–2021), noting the frequency of campus-related chat questions and coding the specific topics of those inquiries. The findings show that library reference services, particularly live virtual chat, are consistently valuable to the campus community and may be especially important to supporting less privileged student populations.

Role of Academic Libraries in Scientific Production Evaluation

Since internationally visible scientific productivity is a criterion for state evaluation of Croatian academic and scientific institutions and their scientists, Croatian academic libraries have a key role in quantitative evaluation of scientific productivity using methods such as bibliometrics, scientometrics and the like. The aim of this case study is to identify and illustrate the current situation of library services for evaluating scientific production at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and to make recommendations for the further development of such services, which could serve as a framework for the systematic implementation of this type of service in all libraries at the University of Zagreb and beyond. More specifically, the purpose of this paper was to identify the existence of the bibliometric services in the libraries of the University of Zagreb (UNIZG), examine the status and involvement of university librarians in the academic advancement procedures and to identify the required competences for bibliometric experts in Croatia. The research was conducted using the content analysis method, the survey method, and the focus group method. The research results show that although UNIZG libraries are integrated into the system of academic promotion and the role of UNIZG libraries is enshrined in Croatian regulations, the bibliometric service is not standardised at the University level. The results also indicate that the service needs to be strengthened in terms of training of professional staff and greater investment in staff capacity and infrastructure. The fact that the study was conducted at a single Croatian university is a possible limitation that could relate to the application of guidelines for further actions and the development of bibliometric services at national level. It would therefore be desirable to conduct future research to identify the situation at other Croatian universities as well. It would also be necessary to determine the open science and open access policies at UNIZG through further research and, in this context, to establish guidelines for possible improvements in the processes of evaluating scientific productivity. The results of this study make an important contribution to the possible future positioning of university libraries and UNIZG librarians in the process of evaluating scientific productivity. In addition, some practical advice is given so that this case study may be a good introductory overview for the wider academic community in relation to this topic.

From Ethics to Execution: The Role of Academic Librarians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy-Making at Colleges and Universities

This paper highlights the importance of involving academic librarians in the development of ethical AI policies. The Academic Librarian Framework for Ethical AI Policy Development (ALF Framework) is introduced, recognizing librarians’ unique skills and expertise. The paper discusses the benefits of their involvement, including expertise in information ethics and privacy, practical experience with AI tools, and collaborations. It also addresses challenges, such as limited awareness, institutional resistance, resource constraints, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evolving AI technologies, offering practical solutions. By actively involving librarians, institutions can develop comprehensive and ethical AI policies that prioritize social responsibility and respect for human rights.

The role of academic libraries in the context of national education policy (NEP)-2020

The role of academic libraries in the context of national education policy (NEP)-2020

Academic libraries, ICT use and sustainable higher education development

PurposeEducation is a strong pillar to national development. It is vital to ensure sustainable higher education development (SHED) in a bid to facilitate global development. This study aims to investigate academic libraries, information and communication technology (ICT) use and SHED.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study was 607 librarians in the 41 public university libraries in Southern Nigeria. Total enumeration and purposive sampling techniques were used for this study. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis.FindingsIt was found that qualified teachers and promotion of scholarship constitute SHED. The extent of contribution of academic libraries to SHED is high. Academic libraries face a number of challenges in their effort to provide information services for the actualisation of the SHED. The extent of use of ICT in SHED is high. It was therefore recommended that academic libraries and ICT should be adequately used to accomplish SHED in Nigeria.Research limitations/implicationsThis study will contribute to the body of literature on how academic libraries and the use of ICT can contribute to SHED.Practical implicationsWhile SHED is central to global development, the role of academic libraries and the use of ICT should be unanimously embraced by all the stakeholders in education industry.Originality/valueSHED is inevitable in the contemporary era. This study reveals that academic libraries and ICT use are vital in achieving SHED.

Rebranding of Predatory Journals and Conferences: Understanding Its Implication and Prevention Strategy.

Academic conference participation and publications serve as a litmus test to evaluate researchers irrespective of their scientific discipline. Predatory or fake conferences and journals exploit this issue and rebrand themselves through multiple methods. This paper serves to introduce rebranding as one of the features adopted by predatory journals and conferences and formulate some important measures that could be taken by academic libraries, researchers, and publishers to address this issue. We found that rebranding serves as an efficient measure to evade legal implications. However, empirical longitudinal studies addressing the issue are absent. We have explained rebranding, multiple ways of rebranding, issues surrounding predatory publishing, and the role of academic libraries and provided a five-point prevention strategy to protect researchers from academic malpractices. Dedicated tools, scientific prowess, and vigilance of academic libraries and researchers can safeguard the scientific community. Creating awareness, increasing transparency of available databases, and the support of academic libraries and publishing houses along with global support will serve as effective measures to tackle predatory malpractices.

Reflection on possible role of academic libraries in facilitating post-COVID-19 food security

PurposeYear 2020 recorded an unprecedented bewilderment of the world with novel COVID-19, thereby threatening global food security. As such, there is need for academic libraries in Nigeria to provide information regarding food security to users to ensure post-COVID-19 food security. This study, therefore, aims to reflect on the role of academic libraries in facilitating post-COVID-19 food security in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive research design of survey type was used for the study. Librarians and library officers in academic libraries in south-west Nigeria were considered for the study. Self-structured online questionnaire was sent to the respondents via social media. The data generated were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage.FindingsIt was found that academic libraries performed significant role during the COVID-19 period by disseminating online information on preventive measures, and supporting research team with information on the pandemic. The study further found that the services of academic libraries are strongly required in facilitating post-COVID-19 food security, even in the face of some challenges.Practical implicationsIn the face of the looming COVID-19-induced food shortage, it becomes evident that academic libraries have to support individuals, farmers, research teams and organisations with information and information resources that can help in accomplishing global food security.Social implicationsFailure of academic libraries to offer the required support in terms of provision of necessary information resources on agriculture may make the attainment of COVID-19 food security difficult.Originality/valueEnsuring post-COVID-19 food security is an issue of global concern. This study encourages academic libraries to expedite action to contribute towards ensuring post-COVID-19 global food security.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Role of Academic Library

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Role of Academic Library

Library Services and Information Management: The Role of Academic Librarians in the 21st Century Nigeria

This column describes the nature of library services and information management’s role in this 21st century and examines the role of academic librarians in Nigeria. The development brought about by technology has drastically improved and facilitated the dissemination of information to users and has mandated librarians to add new roles to their mode of service to move with the trend of time and be relevant to society. The role of academic librarians in this 21st century now involves advocates, pace-setters/image makers, knowledge resources management, information technology development, user services, human resource management, resource sharing, and networking. The column concludes that academic librarians in Nigeria are now compelled to create innovative library services that will make them relevant and fit into the information management roles. Hence the column recommends that librarians need to keep abreast with the trend of the digital era by always acquiring new skills that will enable them to function effectively and efficiently. Library management should make policies and provide opportunities that will enable academic librarians to always acquire new training that will enhance library services to meet with the trends of time. Librarians are to upgrade themselves with the managerial role.

Bibliographic, Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis of Scientific Journals of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka for the Period From 2010 to 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative overview of a bibliographic, bibliometric, and scientometric analysis of scientific journals published at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka in the period from 2010 to 2020. The scientometric aspect presents the analysis of available metrics on journals, articles, and authors indexed in the bibliographic databases Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus, as well as the citation databases Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and Scimago Journal & Country Rank (SJR). Interpretation of the results is preceded by a theoretical overview of the terminology of subcategories of information sciences in the field of metrics of scientific articles, a review of current issues in evaluating scientific productivity, and the role of academic library in conducting bibliometric and scientometric research. Paper also presents the importance of applying more transparent methods, fairer evaluation, and a better understanding of the humanities scientific field.

Transforming libraries into learning collaborative hubs: the current state of physical spaces and the perceptions of Greek librarians concerning implementation of the “Learning Commons” model

PurposeWith the technological innovation dominating higher education, the university libraries, as physical spaces, continue to play a crucial role in connecting students with knowledge. The emergence of the “Learning Commons” serves as a catalyst in the design of library spaces, renewing libraries’ roles and missions and making them popular to Millennials for new reasons. This study aims to record Greek librarians' views on the current situation in Greek academic libraries regarding physical space design, services provided and the existence of the “Learning Commons” model characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted through an online survey structured questionnaire (closed-ended, five-point Likert scale, multiple-choice and statements questions). This study population comprised librarians working in 37 academic institutions and colleges. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The research questions were answered using variables creation and the tests, t-test, ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis. The groups of questions were tested for their reliability using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient.FindingsIn total, 186 librarians responded to this study. The responses revealed that participants were willing and ready to accept and support a different approach to academic library physical spaces use, according to the shared learning spaces model. However, this requires changes in the organization's vision, further growth and evolution. Although recently most Greek academic libraries have made significant progress in developing their services to function as information and digital hubs, they do not function as learning collaborative hubs, since the “Learning Commons” model is not reflected in their buildings.Originality/valueThe creation of new academic libraries according to the “common” model is a rapidly evolving issue that affects Greek libraries. This paper highlights the characteristics of libraries that should be adopted in the modern era, the new roles of academic librarians and the importance of an appropriate design of the physical space to achieve optimal learning outcomes. At the same time, this paper is one of the few that illustrates librarians', and not users', perceptions of these changes. This paper is a good research example, and the methodology for measuring this type of context could be used by other future research approaches in other countries.

What makes a “happy” workplace for librarians? Exploring the organizational functions of academic libraries in South Korea

Academic libraries are facing the need to closely examine the effectiveness of current organizational functions in response to rapid changes in technology and the information environment. The purpose of this study is to explore the functions and issues of the academic library organization in South Korea based on the librarians' perceptions. We conducted a literature review about the changes in the role of academic libraries and organizational functions. In-depth interviews with 19 librarians and a content analysis of those interviews were conducted. As a result, we identified organizational characteristics pertaining to 1) internal functions of the library, such as communication, leadership, motivation, and team system, and 2) external functions, such as collaboration with external administrative departments, and utilization of personal networks. We also discovered mutual relationships among the functions. In particular, leader's support is important to continuously motivate librarians and increase the effectiveness of the team system, resulting in a positive effect on the reputation of the academic library. This study contributes to the academic library literature by comprehensively and empirically exploring functions affecting the services of academic libraries.

Role of academic library in creating students’ mental health literacy

Background of the study: Mental health literacy is a very important skill because mental health is as important as physical health. University students must have mental health literacy because they face heavy pressure in the learning process and in social interactions. Academic libraries can play an active role in creating students' mental health literacy.Purpose: to identify and explain how the role of academic libraries in creating students' mental health literacy. Method: It is a literature review, namely reviewing the books, journal articles, news, reports on mental health, mental health among students, the function and role of the academic library. Next, synergize the results of the study with the results of the researchers' thoughts. Findings: Academic libraries can carry out various activities as an effort to create students’ mental health literacy, namely providing easy access to mental health information sources through library collections development and providing mental health corners; promoting mental health collections in the library; organize mental health literacy campaigns through events such as seminars; providing health consultation facilities in collaboration with mental health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists. Conclusions: Academic libraries can play an active role in creating students' mental health literacy by utilizing their resources and by collaborating with professionals.

The quality of higher education through MOOC penetration and the role of academic libraries

<p class="western" align="justify">The governments of emerging economies have realized the potential of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for enhancing the quality of higher education, but MOOC penetration is still very low in countries like India. This article explores the issues relating to MOOC integration and attempts to identify the key drivers for the adoption of a MOOC-based curriculum. Integration into the curriculum, the MOOC services of the academic library and the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development’s (MHRD) policy and support are identified as the key drivers for increasing MOOC penetration. The article also suggests a direct relationship between the level of MOOC penetration and the quality of higher education in emerging economies. The practical implications for practice and policy are classification of the MOOC services of the academic library and a decision-making model that chooses a hybrid learning strategy for higher educational institutions.

The role of academic libraries and information specialists during times of health crises in Jordan: the COVID-19 pandemic case

PurposeCOVID-19 forced libraries and other institutions to either close their doors to users or change their services routines. At this time, the libraries should extend their efforts to meet the increasing demands of information services in terms of quantity and quality of information services. This study aims to explore the role and responsibilities of academic libraries during times of crisis from the staff perception in academic libraries in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was disseminated to 359 library staff who were working at the 10 public universities in Jordan; 295 questionnaires were suitable to analyze, with a response rate of 82.2%.FindingsThe results indicated the importance of increasing academic libraries – specifically academic libraries in Jordan – awareness about the vast and important role of libraries to support research and the public community by providing authentic information sources about the pandemic to increase public awareness about the pandemic, besides contributing to disseminating research related to the pandemic as well as producing related research. Libraries needed to adjust their collection and information services during the crisis as they looked for ways to support the users they serve. The results affirmed that access to information remains the social responsibility of librarians.Practical implicationsThe findings will provide insights for other academic libraries on how to react in a crisis and maintain its role as a reliable information source.Social implicationsDuring the health pandemic, people needed support in terms of getting easy access to authentic and reliable information. Libraries hold a social responsibility to the local community, such as awareness campaigns, posting videos on health practices and hygiene on it websites and social media.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights and practical solutions for academic libraries in response to global health pandemics. It will help academic libraries handle and cope with the challenges of providing distance library services over digital channels.

CONSIDERATION AND UTILIZE OF LIBRARY WEB RESOURCES BY FACULTY OF ENGINEERING COLLEGE IN EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH: A STUDY

Digital information resources are fetching more and more imperative for the academic community. The increase of technical colleges in Andhra Pradesh are quiet noteworthy and in advance of various states of India. Digital resources are measured as imperative resources of teaching, research and training. Consequently, digital resources play a important role in academic libraries as they are mostly jingle for the support of academic brilliancy and research. For these research questionnaires were distributed to the faculty members of 10 selected engineering colleges in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Accordingly, 400 questionnaire distributed amongst the faculty members of 10 engineering colleges. Out of 400, only 336 questionnaires were received back that is the overall response rate is 84%.. 27.98% of the faculties are utilize digital resources for bring up to date Knowledge. It is also found from the study that preponderance of the faculty members were satisfied with available digital resources.

Use of Digital Resources in Osmania University, Hyderabad: A Study

Digital information resources are becoming more and more important for the academic community. Digital resources are considered as important resources of teaching, research and training. Thus, digital resources in a library play a significant role in academic libraries as they are mostly tuned for the promotion of academic excellence and research. Digital libraries support electronic learning by providing information to the users related to their educational and research purposes. In view of all these there is a need for a study to know the availability of digital resources and use of digital resources O.U library, Hyderabad. The survey method is used for the study. Findings includes 52.55% respondents use digital resources once in a week, 26.80% of them daily, 15.46% of them once in a month, 6.19% of them use rarely. Majority of the 16.55% respondents use digital resources for research work, 14.93% of them use for updating knowledge, 14.57% of them use for general study, 13.13% of the respondents use for preparation of articles, 9.71% for literature review. 49.48% of the respondents expressed satisfied about the availability of digital resources, 37.11% of them fully satisfied.